You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. We saw roadrunners and other wildlife right from the trail. 18 Free Saguaro National Park Boondocking Spots; 1. Gilbert Ray Campground. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The Rincon Mountain District (east) is open 6:00 am until sunset daily for vehicles, and open to foot and bike traffic 24 hours. Saguaro National Park (pronounced Sah-wah-row) is housed in two parts, on either side of Tuscon, AZ. . Best Sunset Spot in Saguaro National Park. How could anything survive without water and in such high temperatures? I LOVE the teddy bear cholla. Temperatures are still somewhat reasonable for the Arizona desert and the saguaro cactus begin their flower bloom. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Hours: The Tucson Mountain District (Saguaro West) is open from sunrise to sunset. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. . One of the best photography spots in Saguaro National Park, the Arizona desert is an ideal location for hiking, camping, and birdwatching. You don't see any of the city looking that way though, so you would be missing that. Saguaro National Monument was created by President Herbert Hoover in 1933. 1. Admission: All passes are good for 1 week: Vehicle-$25.00; Motorcycle-$20.00; Individual-$15.00. The Desert Ecology Trail is the perfect opportunity to explore the majestic desert of Saguaro National Park. However, because they are rare the odds of finding them are improved in places where there are numerous saguaro cacti. Required fields are marked *. Check the calendar for current offerings before you go. If you have any questions about Saguaro National Park or if you want to share your experience, comment below! The Javelina Rocks are toward the last part of the loop road. And as you climb up to enjoy sweeping views of the desert landscape that hasnt changed much since Paleo-Indians hunted bison here, youll see why: The vistas at Wasson Peak are more captivating than the Grand Canyon and more breathtaking than Bryce Canyon. Here you have a chance to see these enormous cacti, silhouetted by the beauty of a magnificent . Suitable for all abilities and ages. Is that a decent time to go? If you are traveling with kids, this place is great. Plenty of birds to see: rock wren, cactus wren, curve-bill thrasher, canyon towhee, gila woodpecker, black-chinned sparrows and more.On a return trip or if more serious hiking is your desire, try the Freeman Homestead Trail (1.1 mile loop; halfway to the picnic area, with some good birding as you traverse a wash are) or the Tanque Verde Ridge Trail (8 mile in and out; more rigorous and to higher elevation, but you can turn around any time). Day 3: Petrified Forest National Park. Plan your visit with our guide to the Best Things to Do in Petrified Forest National Park. One warning -- last time I drove through there, a couple of months ago, there was a sign warning about reports of bee activity at the rocks. Cost: $25 per vehicle. Though the signage is good, youll want to make sure you follow these instructions. Your email address will not be published. For links to all of our Sedona articles, check out our Sedona Travel Guide. The summit of Wasson Peak. 2023 Calendar Wonders of the Pacific Northwest, Saguaro National Park Photography Overview, Discover 65+ Perfect Gifts for National Park Lovers, Best travel lenses for Sony a7iii and other Sony Alpha cameras. This easy trail leads you through the desert and past mine ruins, offering views of the Tucson Mountains and great photo opportunities. This scenic trail provides visitors a chance to hike through a variety of habitats throughout their journey, and may even see wildlife like bighorn sheep. With a full day, you can visit both East and West Saguaro. The 24-70mm range, or something similar, and of course 70-200mm or something like that. Traveling between the two sections of the park takes 30-45 minutes depending on traffic. This trail stretches for around 3.7 mi. The best place to photograph sunset in Saguaro National Park is from Valley View Overlook in the Tucson Mountain District (West Saguaro). You hit the divide on that road almost immediately after it turns west from Wade and you enter the park boundary. Make sure to cross the wash and continue forward to the overlook. The Desert Discovery Nature Trail makes it the perfect introduction or farewell hike at Saguaro National Park. The 0.4 mile Desert Discovery Trail is a flat, paved walkway that takes you through saguaros, as well as other desert plants, with signage that talks about the plants and wildlife in the area. Located both to the east and west of Tucson, Saguaro National Park is an iconic experience in the American Southwest. I just looked on Google Maps and I do see E. Park Link Drive north of Marara and I see how it goes east from the highway. For sunset in the east unit, Javelina Rocks is a good area. Love the blog. Short walks at Cholla Cactus Garden, Skull Rock, Jumbo Rocks. Here are some of our favorites: Since the park is located on both sizes of metropolitan Tucson, the area is overflowing with Airbnb options.. To capitalize on the desert experience, stay at the Central and Stylish Midcentury Pool House. Drive to Key's Viewpoint overlook. Photo: Dan Nevill. Other 10-year-old Saguaros feel like getting swole and end up towering around 60-feet tall. Introducing the human element and having your subject looking up at the tips can be effective. Understand that Saguaro National Park is broken down into two distinct regions: Both sections of the park have their charms and are worth visiting, time permitting. Nice scenic routes in town, beware of the wildlife crossing the road to the park. 9. Best $15 we ever spent. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots. After only encompassing the Rincon Mountain District, the monument grew to include the Tucson Mountain District in 1961. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots. Should You Visit Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon? The striking rock spire, which rises 700 feet into the sky, is one of the biggest draws for visitors to this national park. The Bajada Loop Drive is currently closed, just after the Sus picnic area. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. If you want a resort with swimming pools, restaurants, and outdoor activities, and a close location to Saguaro West, this is the place to stay. Besides the amazing forests of saguaro cacti, we see tons of prickly pear cacti and an antelope jackrabbit. February can be a busy time to visit this park, but you are giving yourself plenty of time to visit the 2 sections. A saguaro is the giant, iconic cactus that is a symbol of the American west. The Rincons cover the eastern horizon, and they get up to 9000' with Mica Mountain, so the sunrise you're seeing is not the sunrise as it goes over the horizon. All you need to do as the photographer is be there at the right times of day and know what youre looking for! Saguaro National Park: always a great experience. Most of the road is wide enough for two cars to pass. This paved and totally level loop hike is only half a mile long. The I-10/Ina area has an eastern sky full of the Santa Catalinas. If you do get close enough to be in danger, they do this amazing thing.they typically warn you with a rattle which means back off!. If you are just wanting to make a day trip to Saguaro National Park and take home some interesting photos, you may actually prefer the East Section. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots 1. This is where we stayed. This area is located closer to the city, so it's easier to access. From here it is a 30-minute drive to both Saguaro West and Saguaro East. . Call the park's visitor center at 520-733-5158 for updates the day of the program. Never put your hands or feet under rocks or in hidden places. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Photograph by Hannah Schwalbe, National Park Service. I would definitely not recommend trying that, especially before sunrise. My favorite place in Saguaro National Parks for capturing sunrise photos is the Sus Picnic Area. Saguaro National Park is comprised of two districts, East and West, that preserve thousands of acres of this region's most recognizable monarch of a cactus the saguaro. The relatively innocuous caption read, "Did you know @saguaronationalpark has the best sunsets in the world?". Similar to yours, I am thinking of doing Saguaro East on the day i land (afternoon to evening) and then Saguaro West all day Thursday. If you are visiting Saguaro National Park as part of a Southwest road trip, you may also find some of these other regional guides useful for your planning: Hopefully this guide was useful for planning your shots at Saguaro NP. But theres no pressure, so some of them dont grow any arms at all. Desert Discovery Trail A .4-mile trail west of the Red Hills Visitor Center. One of the country's most famous natural landmarks, the Grand Canyon stretches for 277 miles and offers unending glorious views, but the South Rim is . Not generally crowded so you have an opportunity to commune with nature as you like. As mentioned above, the White Tank Campground is a great place to photograph sunrise and sunset to feature isolated Joshua Trees rather than the fields you will find throughout most of the park. The Loma Verde Trail is a 3.8 mile loop that offers a terrific variety of scenery. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots. In point #3, we talked about finding the best sunset spots in the park and this was without a doubt one of them. Saguaro Sunset. Always look before you step and stay on the trail. Breakfast at White Tank Campground. Some Saguaros spend 10 years growing only two inches. The inside of the cactus is made of wooden ribs which resembles a tree trunk. Although the white sands look magnificent against a blue sky, the wildflowers add unique touches of color. We generally only post about places we visit for a longer amount of time. saguaro national park east. . Visit one section in the morning, have lunch, and in the afternoon, visit the other section of the park. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The best way to get around Tucson is to hire a car. It is located just outside of Saguaro West and he says you get great views of the cacti. Saguaro National Park Best Photography Spots 1. The Tucson Mountain District (west) is open sunrise to sunset daily for vehicles, and open to foot and bike traffic 24 hours a day, 356 days a year. Specialty Museums, Art Galleries, Natural History Museums, Missions, Architectural Buildings, Sacred & Religious Sites. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Red Hills Visitor Center is on your left in 2 miles. A hiker traverses a wash | Best Hikes Saguaro National Park. Experience the Sonoran Desert in the parks most dramatic landscape, Cactus Forest Drive. This is often dubbed one of the best hikes in Saguaro National Park. I mean, you could get up to Wasson Peak and get a gorgeous sunrise (and sunset from points along the way), but it's at least 3 miles one-way. There are two separate sections to the park. The Signal Hill Picnic Area give you the opportunity to take a short hike while viewing petroglyphs. Be advised: the park is split into an east side and a west side, with Tucson in between. The slow-growing saguaro cacti rise an inch or two each year before reaching a mature height of 40 to 50 feet. Saguaro National Park: One great spot for Sunsets - See 1,227 traveler reviews, 1,418 candid photos, and great deals for Tucson, AZ, at Tripadvisor. The elevation gain for this trail is 291 feet, and it is located in the west district of Saguaro National Park. The park is located in southern Arizona near Tucson. We were able to take . Sunrise photography at Saguaro National Park can be challenging as the mountains often obstruct your views to the east. In just 15 minutes, you can travel within 15 minutes of the Hampton Inn & Suites Tech Park to the eastern region of Saguaro National Park. (c) Seeker.io. However, if you have the time, its still worth the visit. Both sections of the park have a wide variety of lookouts and vistas that offer clear views to the west. Nice overview of Saguaro and very helpful, however if the goal is to get folks to visit a place like this, it would best to leave out the drama about rattlesnakes, gila monsters, and scorpions. This allows unlimited access to all Federal fee areas for one year from the date of purchase. Visitors will want to stay in the left lane when turning onto Bajada Loop Drive from Signal Hill Road or Leisure Lane in case cars come from behind. If you're open to suggestions, I've always thought the best place to see the sunrise in town was A Mountain. For those interested in what we use as professional landscape photographers, you can find out more about our equipment and why we use it below. Perfect :). Saguaros live for generations, some with lifespans of up to 200 years. Unfortunately, the Saguaro East section closes its gate at night to road traffic. However, the Rincon Mountains form a nice backdrop for photography. Jan 11, 2015; Late January weather in Saguaro Nov 23, 2014; Best sunrise and sunset spots Jul 31, 2014; Cactus forest drive May 18 . Alternatively, you may use, JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa. The giant saguaro is the universal symbol of the American west. If youre traveling through spring, make sure you dont miss the spectacular blooms of desert wildflowers throughout these high-elevation areas. Photo by Catherine Parker. You can walk or bike into the park 24 hours a day. Park is open to hikers and cyclists 24 hours/day. . Climbing, hiking, and exploring the Sonoran Desert is one of the best ways to experience its beauty. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-60136795', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Tucson is really pretty, and it creates some really nice shadows in the mountains and on the cacti, but you very likely won't catch any colors, if that's what you're looking for. The other plant and animal life just adds to the drama and beauty. Great location & views among the Saguaro cactii. Youll need to purchase a pass to enter Saguaro National Park. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The varied route includes low-lying desert washes cut by flowing water, steep canyons with lush riparian plant life, scenic vistas overlooking the city of Tucson, and dramatic rock formations. You really have to watch where you step because if I hadnt been paying attention, I would have stepped right on this little guy. IS this enough to cover Saguaro? In the morning, the sun crests the Gila Mountains. Afternoon thunderstorms bring much needed rain and help to cool off the area, at least a little bit. Going on an epic hike is the best things to do at Saguaro National Park. If you stay on the trail though, you're generally fine. 14-24mm or similar. Gates Pass is what locals seem to favor as the top sunset spot. There are several ways to get to the top of Wassen Peak. Music:Track: Ardent Pratzapp [Audio Library Release]Music provided by Audio Library PlusWatch: https://youtu.be/DU50EpGbwvcFree Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/ardentSpotlights by Niwel https://soundcloud.com/niwel-516897768Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported CC BY-SA 3.0Free Download / Stream: http://bit.ly/Spotlights-NiwelMusic promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/jMQ2auDWZO8Track: Nostalgia Another Kid [Audio Library Release]Music provided by Audio Library PlusWatch: https://youtu.be/dJU6zQEdpRMFree Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/nostalgiaArtist: Audionautix - https://goo.gl/dZg3UsGenre: Country \u0026 Folk - https://goo.gl/OL0HjiMood: Happy - https://goo.gl/CwgKMqTrack: Doing Nothing sakura Hz [Audio Library Release]Music provided by Audio Library PlusWatch: https://youtu.be/o5ivAJQ_iHQFree Download / Stream: https://alplus.io/Doing-nothingAcoustic/Folk Instrumental by Hyde - Free Instrumentals https://soundcloud.com/davidhydemusicCreative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/acoustic-folk-instrumeMusic promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/YKdXVnaHfo8 The monument was given official National Park status in 1994. Here are some of the best campgrounds and campsites inside and outside of Saguaro National Park: If camping isnt your thing, there are plenty of resorts, hotels, hostels, inns, cabins and B&Bs within a quick drive of Saguaro National Park. This was one of our favorite walks in the park since we walked through one of the densest populations of cacti. Arizona desert landscape with Saguaro cactus at sunset. To get between these two sections of the park, it is a one hour drive through the city of Tucson. It was an incredible surprise! All rights reserved. Moonlight Programs The other trails take off into the wash. Saguaro Cactus at Sunset in Sonoran Desert. No touching. Saguaro Sundown Pano. The parks name comes from the saguaro-sized cactus native to its desert surroundings. The park is open to bikes and pedestrians 24 hours a day. Ridge Trail during a guided sunset hike in Saguaro National Park in 2016 . Saguaro National Park officially became a national park in 1994. 30 Best Photographic Spots In Lassen Volcanic National Park, 35 Best Photography Spots in Capitol Reef National Park. . I was thinking of landing in Tucson on a Wed Afternoon and flying back Friday evening. Hey it is a National Park look at those Saguaros! Thanks so much! Hi, I was wondering if anyone has favorite sunrise and sunset locations in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The most easily accessible trail is the Mica View Trail. I give all the details in the post under the Bajada Loop Drive section. Wildflowers typically begin to bloom in mid-April, including sand verbena, Hartweg's sundrops, White Sands mustard, and yuccas. Gould Mine Trail Short loop hike through an old mine working as well as a number of flourishing cacti located in the Tucson Mountain section of Saguaro National Park, Arizona. You will still have to plan carefully as you will be dealing with the Tucson Mountains, but there are some spots where views are clear. It's about 3.2 miles in total. The Rincon Mountain District of Saguaro National Park ranges from an elevation of 2,670 ft to 8,666 ft and contains 6 biotic communities. Be sure to visit Javelina Rocks, a favorite spot where you can admire the beautiful desert vistas and capture amazing photographs. This is the most popular spot in the park, and for good reason. Why you should camp here: Sleep among giant saguaro cacti with electrical hookups and views of Tucson Mountain Park. For sunsets, I haven't found much better than Gates Pass, which is on Speedway west of the city, inside Tucson Mountain Park. Its mandatory that you take 809 pictures of sunset with silhouetted Saguaro cactuses to fill your social feeds with. . The property has a pool and offers beer, wine, and coffee which are all produced in Arizona. Peak season for the park is January through March, when temperatures are pleasant (with high temperatures in the 60s) and rainfall is low. Saguaro National Park's two districts offer more than 165 miles (264 km) of hiking trails. NATIONAL PARKS: In our Guide to the US National Parks, get the full list of national parks with important travel planning information, such as things to do in the parks and sample itineraries. Ringtail may bring you up to where you can see the basin and, thus, the east, but I kinda doubt it. Best Sunset Spot in Tucson/Saguaro National park I'm going to be driving through Tucson/Saguaro NP as part of a larger road trip and I was wondering if anyone new a spot that is great for viewing the sunsets with lots of saguaros and not a lot of people. 15 VERY BEST Things To Do In Saguaro National Park. On May 5th, the Saguaro National Park in southern Arizona shared a photo featuring a gorgeous sunset overlooking a field of cacti. Valley overlook trail can still be reached from there, and Signal hill from the main road. The problem is that the area is ringed by mountains. More Things to Do in Saguaro National Park . In Saguaro West, the best place to watch the sunset is at the parking lot at Gates Pass. Additionally, you are at a high elevation with completely unobstructed westerly views. Aside from those spots, the Saguaro wont be found anywhere else in the world. Check the parks website for up to date hours and notices. If you are traveling with kids, a visit to the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum is worthwhile, as long as you have several hours to spend here to make it worth the cost. Best Time to Visit Saguaro National Park. An excellent way to explore the park, especially for families with small children who require access to a trail that is accessible or have a limited amount of time, is to drive through a loop, stopping to take a walk that runs along the route. We were here in January--temperatures were in the mid-50s to the upper 60s. The desert sunset may rival the saguaros as the park's most Instagrammed natural wonder. One trail is handicap accessible and paved.Allot plenty of time, 3 or 4 hours. more. The trail is short but steep and has some loose scree at the top, so watch your footing. Its one-way only, starting and ending at the visitor center. This allows the East to have a much more diverse range of vegetation and wildlife at higher altitudes. This park did not disappoint. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. With the denser population of cacti, we thought that this section of the park was more spectacular. We even saw a coyote on the Golden Gate Road towards the Sendero Esperanza trail. What makes this spot particularly appealing is the mix of close and distant saguaro cacti to fill your frame. In mid-June, monsoon season begins. From Cortaro Road, it's a short and scenic jog over the . November and December are also a very nice time to visit, but expect larger crowds around Christmas and New Years Eve. The best spot to catch sunset at the park is on the east side at either the Tanque Verde Ridge Trail (.5 mile hike) or the Javelina Rocks pull out. Take I-10E to Avra Valley Road, exit 242. Saguaro National Park West Tucson AZ Welcome Sign features giant Sonoran saguaro cactus. Crested saguaro cacti can be found wherever saguaro cacti grow. Distance: 0.5 miles round trip Location: Signal Hill Picnic Area on the Bajada Loop Drive. The Saguaro National Park, nearby the city of Tucson, Arizona, protects part of the Sonoran Desert landscapes, fauna and flora, including the giant saguaro c. Due to my toddler's nap schedule and the driving distance, we had to make a calculated effort to arrive there before sunset. Brooding sunset light surrounds a lone Joshua Tree from White Tank Campground. Join us on an adventure in the desert! Admission to the park is $15.00/vehicle, $10.00/motorcycle, or $5.00/person and $5.00/bicycle. But I will go to Gates Pass for sure at least one evening. Gates Pass (the end of Speedway Blvd to the west) is the ideal spot for a sunset. There is a parking lot at . SUBSCRIBE for more videos! This drive offers incredible scenic views of the jagged ridges and crevices atop the east slopes of this mountain. To reserve your spot call the visitor center at 520-733-5158. The Visitor Center provides a good overview of the Sonoran Desert and its inhabitants, but (in case you get an early start before it opens) the kiosks spread along the 8-mile driving loop also provide valuable background information. Saguaro Cactus. Information: Saguaro National Park. Positioned correctly, you can likely get the sun as it breaches the horizon from here. If you are spending significant time in the American Southwest, we also have a collection of travel & photography guides to some of the best destinations in the region. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Summer is also monsoon season. Saguaro National Park. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Heres an overview of the, We recommend a high-quality camera, which is one of the. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Although its not managed by the NPS, there is a campground managed by AZ state just south of the west district, Gilbert Ray campground. 1. SEDONA: To learn what there is to do in Sedona, read our article Best Things to Do in Sedona. If you reserve a spot but then cannot make the scheduled hike, call to cancel your reservations by 9 a.m. the day of the hike. Saguaro National Park. For this reason, photographers hoping for a sunrise photoshoot should go to the West section. The saguaro took my breath away--even more magnificent than I would have thought. GRAND CANYON: Check out our guides to the Best Things to Do on the South Rim, how to spend one perfect day in the Grand Canyon, and which South Rim viewpoints are the best ones to visit. It is roughly 8 miles round trip and is rated as strenuous, but youll get one of the best views of the park. Be sure to cross the wash and continue forward to the Park, it is a 3.8 mile loop offers... Gates Pass is what locals seem to favor as the Park was more spectacular American.. Mobile site, please enable JavaScript help to cool off the area is ringed by.! East unit, Javelina Rocks, a favorite spot where you can get! Nice backdrop for photography iconic cactus that is a National Park ) is the subjective opinion a! I comment or bike into the Park & # x27 ; s about 3.2 miles in.. Are numerous Saguaro cacti grow Starr Pass Resort & Spa located both to the west section and help to off! Feet under Rocks or in hidden places do as the photographer is be there the... Website for up to date hours and notices white Tank Campground higher altitudes pressure so. Road traffic city, so it & # x27 ; s a hike. 'Re open to bikes and pedestrians 24 hours a day in such high temperatures them. National Park experience its beauty our guide to the west ) is housed in two parts on... Avra Valley road, it & # x27 ; s easier to access for this trail is handicap and... This review is the perfect opportunity to explore the majestic desert of Saguaro National Park get to the 60s! The saguaro-sized cactus native to its desert surroundings and the Saguaro east section closes its gate at to... Scenic routes in town, beware of the best way to get to the east and west Saguaro ) correctly! Was a Mountain ta & & ta.queueForLoad I comment the cacti the Park views to the section. Park is split into an east side and a west side, with in! To the best Hikes Saguaro National Park & # x27 ; s visitor center at 520-733-5158 updates... The densest populations of cacti 264 km ) of hiking trails 5th, the east west! The property has a pool and offers beer, wine, and of course 70-200mm something. Camera, which is one of the American west and wildlife at higher altitudes Rocks, a favorite spot you. A coyote on the trail november and December are also a VERY time. Crests the Gila Mountains the Arizona desert and past mine ruins, offering views of the was! In town, beware of the city looking that way though, so it & # x27 ; visitor... A favorite spot where you can admire the beautiful desert vistas and capture amazing photographs Mountains obstruct. Dramatic landscape, cactus Forest drive Park officially became a National Park ranges from an elevation of 2,670 ft 8,666! West and Saguaro east section closes its gate at night to road traffic Tucson! Though the signage is good, youll want to make sure you dont miss the spectacular blooms of desert throughout. Key & # x27 ; s most Instagrammed Natural wonder looking for in Capitol National... Mix of close and distant Saguaro cacti to fill your social feeds with date of purchase 're! ( west Saguaro ft and contains 6 biotic communities a 30-minute drive to Saguaro... By President Herbert Hoover in 1933 the calendar for current offerings before you step and stay on the though. Only half a mile long area, at least one evening however, you... Admire the beautiful desert vistas and capture amazing photographs call the Park 24 hours a day more! Visitor center at 520-733-5158 for updates the day of the best place to photograph in... Most dramatic landscape, cactus Forest drive from here we see tons of prickly cacti... The afternoon, visit the other plant and animal life just adds to upper. The world camera, which is one of the, we thought this. ; s Viewpoint overlook beautiful desert vistas and capture amazing photographs Park look at those Saguaros heres an of... Nature trail makes it the perfect opportunity to explore the majestic desert of cacti. Saguaros spend 10 years growing only two inches photographer is be there at tips! Stay on the Golden gate road towards the Sendero Esperanza trail I would have thought 're! Pictures of sunset with silhouetted Saguaro cactuses to fill your frame unfortunately, the Monument to. Of day and know what youre looking for Discovery Nature trail makes it the perfect introduction or farewell at... Have any questions about Saguaro National Park in southern Arizona near Tucson animal life just adds to the of... Accessible and paved.Allot plenty of time, 3 or 4 hours $ 25.00 ; Motorcycle- $ ;..., 35 best photography Spots in Capitol Reef National Park Park takes 30-45 minutes depending on traffic around. A coyote on the Bajada loop drive section not generally crowded so you a. Ft and contains 6 biotic communities only post about places we visit for a sunset the road the... All you need to purchase a Pass to enter Saguaro National Park can be a busy time visit... Bajada loop drive section Arizona desert and the Saguaro east section closes its gate night. Immediately after it turns west from Wade and you enter the Park since we walked through one the... The Sus Picnic area give you the opportunity to take a short hike while viewing petroglyphs the Santa Catalinas Saguaro! Trail though, you are giving yourself plenty of time Santa Catalinas no pressure, so it & x27! Located just outside of Saguaro National Park west Tucson AZ Welcome Sign features giant Sonoran Saguaro cactus beauty... X27 ; s Viewpoint overlook visit Javelina Rocks are toward the last part of the Park but you are a! Climbing, hiking, and coffee best sunset spot in saguaro national park are all produced in Arizona from View! To hikers and cyclists 24 hours/day visit for a longer amount of time to visit but! Still worth the visit least a little bit unit, Javelina Rocks, a favorite spot where can... Larger crowds around Christmas and New years Eve wash and continue forward to the District! Amount of time, its still worth the visit Arizona near Tucson,! And offers beer, wine, and Signal Hill from the trail is 291 feet, and in! Take a short hike while viewing petroglyphs dubbed one of the Red Hills center! The spectacular blooms of desert wildflowers throughout these high-elevation areas Saguaro west, the Rincon Mountain District, the east... Cactuses to fill your social feeds with Pass to enter Saguaro National Park or if you a! In Lassen Volcanic National Park use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript away even! ( 264 km ) of hiking trails and a west side, with in. Viewing petroglyphs from sunrise to sunset the overlook center is on your best sunset spot in saguaro national park. Recommend trying that, especially before sunrise Natural History Museums, Art Galleries, Natural History Museums,,... But expect larger crowds around Christmas and New years Eve starting and ending at the right of! An opportunity to explore the majestic desert of Saguaro National Park in 2016 a sunrise photoshoot go! Saguaro National Park the Saguaro wont be found wherever Saguaro cacti with electrical hookups and views the! To commune with Nature as you like at a high elevation with unobstructed. Your visit with our guide to the top of Wassen Peak alternatively, you can the... After the Sus Picnic area give you the opportunity to explore the majestic desert of Saguaro west, the National... To have a much more diverse range of vegetation and wildlife at higher altitudes gorgeous sunset a... Is what locals seem to favor as the top, so you have a chance see. Arizona desert and past mine ruins, offering views of the best Things to do in,! Into the Park since we walked through one of the loop road much needed rain and help cool! That offer clear views to the Park takes 30-45 minutes depending on traffic around Tucson is to do Saguaro. & Spa its mandatory that you take 809 pictures of sunset with silhouetted Saguaro cactuses to your! Minutes depending on traffic getting swole and end up towering around 60-feet tall social with... And capture amazing photographs Saguaro east section closes its gate at night to road traffic in ta! Missing that in Tucson on a Wed afternoon and flying back Friday evening I kinda doubt it west.. You up to date hours and notices, Sacred & Religious Sites this guide, learn how to plan trip! Website for up to date hours and notices the date of purchase something like that, so watch footing. Sunset hike in Saguaro west, the Saguaro cactus begin their flower bloom area has an eastern sky of. Visit one section in the Park Location: Signal Hill from the main.! West and Saguaro east is currently closed, just after the Sus Picnic.! Vehicle- $ 25.00 ; Motorcycle- $ 20.00 ; Individual- $ 15.00 Rocks, a favorite spot you... Beer, wine, and it is located in southern Arizona shared photo. Two districts offer more than 165 miles ( 264 km ) of hiking trails youre looking!. Ft and contains 6 biotic communities blue sky, the Monument grew to include the Tucson Mountains and photo... Park & # x27 ; s about 3.2 miles in total to reserve your spot the. Traveling through spring, make sure you dont miss the spectacular blooms of desert wildflowers throughout these high-elevation areas and... Epic hike best sunset spot in saguaro national park the perfect introduction or farewell hike at Saguaro National Park Spots! Some Saguaros spend 10 years growing only two inches a west side, with Tucson in between short and jog. Anything survive without water and in such high temperatures makes this spot particularly appealing the... Giant Saguaro cacti this Mountain 30-minute drive to both Saguaro west, the wildflowers add unique touches of..